Deep-Frying Chicken Wings The Keto Way

Chicken wings are a favourite keto-friendly snack, but how do you get them crispy without the carbs? The secret is to fry them twice. First, fry them for 14 minutes at a low temperature, let them rest, then fry them again at a high temperature for 6 minutes. You can also bake them in the oven, or use an air fryer. The key to getting them crispy is to ensure they are completely dry before frying, and to use a cooking spray to prevent them from sticking to the basket.

Keto deep frying oil options

When it comes to keto-friendly oils for deep frying, there are several options to consider. Here are some of the best choices:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular choice for keto dieters due to its high stability and rich content of medium-chain fatty acids, which are easy for the body to digest. It has a smoke point of around 400°F, making it suitable for deep frying. However, it can be expensive and imparts a strong coconut flavour to the food.

Ghee (Clarified Butter)

Ghee is a type of clarified butter that originated in India. It has a high smoke point of approximately 485°F, making it ideal for high-heat cooking. Ghee is created by simmering whole-fat butter and removing the milk solids, resulting in a golden buttery oil that is lactose-free. It has a delicious buttery flavour and is rich in vitamins A, E, and K2.

Tallow (Beef Fat)

Tallow is rendered fat from animals, usually beef, and is a great option for deep frying. It has a high smoke point of around 420°F and is high in vitamins D, A, E, and K, as well as antioxidants. Tallow was once the primary frying fat used by fast-food restaurants until it was replaced by cheaper vegetable oils. It has a neutral flavour and adds a unique, meaty taste to dishes.

Lard (Pig Fat)

Lard is another excellent option for deep frying, with a smoke point of approximately 400°F. It is rendered pig fat and is lower in saturated fats than other animal fats, while also being higher in monounsaturated fat and vitamin D. Lard has a neutral flavour, so it won't impart any taste to the food being cooked.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has gained popularity in recent years and is now a favourite for high-heat cooking. It has a very high smoke point of about 520°F, making it ideal for deep frying. Avocado oil is mild in flavour, delicious, and easy to use. It is also rich in healthy fats, such as oleic acid, carotenoids, lutein, and vitamin E. However, it can be more expensive than other options.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is the most popular and cost-effective option for deep frying. It has a high smoke point of about 450°F and a neutral flavour. However, its nutrition profile is not as impressive as some of the other options.

Marinating the wings

The key to delicious keto-friendly deep-fried chicken wings is in the marinade. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for marinating your wings to perfection:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You can use a variety of herbs and spices to create a flavourful marinade. Some common ingredients include:

• Garlic
• Paprika
• Pepper
• Salt
• Hot pepper/cayenne pepper
• Hot sauce
• Vinegar
• Sweetener
• Lemon juice
• Cumin
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Olive oil
• Coconut flour (optional)

Preparation

Now, it's time to prepare your marinade. Here are the steps to follow:

• Combine your chosen herbs and spices in a bowl or mortar.
• Smash or mix them together to create a well-combined marinade. You can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.
• Place your chicken wings in a large bowl or container.
• Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring each wing is evenly coated. You can use your hands or a brush to distribute the marinade evenly.
• Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator.
• Allow the wings to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer they marinate, the more intense the flavour will be.
• Optionally, you can flip the wings occasionally during the marinating process to ensure even coating.

Extra Tips

• If you prefer a crispy coating on your wings, you can add an optional step of coating them in coconut flour after marinating. Simply coat the wings in coconut flour before frying to create a crunchy texture.
• You can also add mayonnaise to the marinade to help the wings crisp up and brown. However, if you're against using mayonnaise or have egg allergies, you can replace it with additional oil.
• For a spicier kick, feel free to add more chili, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to your marinade. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

Deep frying temperature and time

Deep-Frying Temperature and Time

Deep-frying keto chicken wings is a delicate process that requires precision and attention to detail. The temperature and duration of frying play a crucial role in achieving the desired crispiness and texture. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you master the art of deep-frying keto chicken wings:

Selecting the Right Oil

Before delving into temperature and timing, it's essential to choose the right oil for deep frying. Peanut oil, as recommended by some keto enthusiasts, is a popular choice due to its high smoke point and ability to retain stability at high temperatures. It also imparts a neutral flavour that lets the taste of the wings shine through. Other keto-friendly options include coconut oil and lard.

Preheating the Oil

To ensure even cooking, it's imperative to preheat the oil to the desired temperature before carefully introducing the chicken wings. The ideal temperature for deep frying keto chicken wings is between 374°F and 375°F. This temperature range ensures that the wings cook thoroughly without drying out or burning.

Frying Time and Technique

Once the oil reaches the optimal temperature, it's time to gently place the chicken wings into the fryer. For keto chicken wings, a frying time of around 10 minutes is generally sufficient. However, it's important to note that the exact time may vary depending on the size of the wings and the specific fryer being used.

It's recommended to fry the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can result in uneven cooking and a decrease in oil temperature. After frying, allow the wings to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Double Frying for Extra Crispiness

For keto chicken wings with an extra crispy texture, consider employing the double-frying technique. This involves frying the wings at a lower temperature (around 275°F) for a longer duration (approximately 14 minutes) followed by a brief resting period. Afterward, increase the oil temperature to its highest setting (around 375°F) and fry the wings again for about 6 minutes or until they achieve a golden brown colour.

Safety Precautions

Deep frying can be dangerous if not performed with caution. Always use a dedicated deep fryer with a temperature control function to prevent overheating. Additionally, ensure that the area is well-ventilated to dissipate any oil fumes. Always exercise caution when handling hot oil, and avoid leaving the fryer unattended during the cooking process.

Keto sauces

While chicken wings are naturally keto-friendly, the sauces used to coat them often contain non-keto ingredients like sugar and cornstarch. Here are some keto-friendly sauces to try:

Keto Buffalo Sauce

A simple keto buffalo sauce can be made with just two ingredients: hot sauce and melted butter. Frank's Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce is a popular choice, but always check the label to ensure your chosen hot sauce is keto-friendly. You can also add minced garlic cloves, paprika, a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper to taste. For a creamier sauce, stir in some mayonnaise or softened cream cheese.

Keto Sweet Chili Sauce

For a sweet and spicy option, try making a keto sweet chili sauce. This sauce typically includes unseasoned rice vinegar, minced garlic, soy sauce or coconut aminos, xanthan gum, a keto brown sugar replacement, ground ginger, garlic chilli sauce, and pure sesame oil. Cook the sauce over medium-high heat until it thickens, then toss your wings in the warm sauce and serve immediately for the best crispy texture.

Keto Breaded Wings

For a crunchy breading that's still keto-friendly, try using coconut flour instead of white flour. Combine the coconut flour with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. After marinating your wings, coat them in the flour mixture before frying or baking.

Dry Rubs

If you're looking for a simpler option, dry rubs are a great way to add flavour to your wings without the mess of a sauce. Popular keto-friendly dry rubs include lemon pepper, spicy garlic, adobo, and Creole seasoning. Apply the dry rub halfway through cooking, then cook until the wings are crispy.

Keto sides

While keto fried chicken wings are delicious, they are even better when served with some tasty keto-friendly sides. Here are some ideas for sides to accompany your wings:

Keto Coleslaw

Finely chop some white cabbage, purple cabbage, and onion. Mix these with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and vinegar to taste. This is a great side to complement the flavours of the fried chicken wings.

Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip

This is a great dip to serve with the wings, especially if you have children. It is a healthier alternative to other dips and can be served with some snacking veggies such as carrots, celery, or cucumber.

Salad

A fresh, crisp salad is a great way to balance out the fried chicken wings. Try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or a more substantial salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

Cauliflower Rice

If you prefer a hot side, cauliflower rice is a great keto-friendly option. It can be cooked in a variety of ways and is a great substitute for regular rice. Try making it with some garlic and herbs for extra flavour.

Baked Zucchini Parmesan Crisps

These are a tasty, low-carb snack that can be served as a side with your fried chicken wings. They are easy to make and can be baked in the oven.

With these sides, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying keto-friendly meal!

Frequently asked questions